Latest news with #ZajacRanch
Global News
4 days ago
- General
- Global News
Pirate Pak Day: Okanagan camper prepares for Zajac Ranch Camp for Children
Being on a stroll outdoors is one of Gillian Rezanson's favourite things. The Vernon, B.C., woman is taking a midday wlk with her service dog, Shamrock, and her personal support worker, Aleisha MacLeod, before a much-deserved coffee break. There, they can discuss their annual trip to Zajac Ranch for Children in Mission, B.C. 'You get to be with people who understand and get it. Our community is great that way, too, but you get to interact with other people and campers. That is really exciting,' said MacLeod. Rezanson is on the spectrum and uses a program on an iPad that communicates for her, with a British accent. She also speaks some sign language. The camp gives children and young adults with disabilities and medical conditions the ultimate camp experience. Get daily National news Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day. Sign up for daily National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy 'Having people recognize Gillian and checking that all of your needs are met, that was pretty cool,' said MacLeod. Story continues below advertisement 2:19 Woman paddling 365 kilometres for Autism awareness The ranch sits on a 44-acre property at Stave Lake with a 24-hour medical centre and is fully accessible for the 400 campers that come every year. 'It's a really special place,' said Zajac Ranch for Children president, Carmen Zajac. 'It's very different from most camps, and often campers will be coming to camp for the first time and perhaps even leaving home for the first time.' Zajac Ranch is the beneficiary of White Spot's Pirate Pak Day, where adults get to be kids again, and $2 of every meal is donated to a nonprofit to help offset the $800,000 annual operating fees. The fees are high because of the need for a high number of support care workers in relation to the campers to make sure everyone has a safe camp experience. Story continues below advertisement 'People really look forward to the Pirate Pak Day,' said Zajac. 'They can raise over $100,000 in that one day, so it's truly impactful.' As adults prepare to set sail on a nostalgic meal adventure on Wednesday, Rezanson and MacLeod are getting ready to pack their bags for Zajac Ranch for Children.
Malaysian Reserve
23-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Malaysian Reserve
All Aboard! Pirate Pak Day Returns to White Spot on August 13
Annual fundraiser celebrates 13 years of making summer camp dreams come true VANCOUVER, BC, July 23, 2025 /CNW/ – White Spot's treasured Pirate Pak Day is back for another year, sailing into 51 participating White Spot restaurants throughout BC, on Wednesday, August 13. For one day only, diners of all ages (yes, adults included) are invited to immerse themselves in the restaurant's cherished dining tradition, while supporting the incredible work of the Zajac Ranch for Children. For almost 60 years, the iconic Pirate Pak has been a beloved staple for millions of little mateys (aged 10 and under) across British Columbia. On August 13th, guests young and old(er!) can enjoy their meal in the famous 100% recyclable and compostable paper boat, knowing that $2 from every Pirate Pak sale goes directly to BC-based charity, Zajac Ranch; an organization dedicated to providing children and young adults with serious medical conditions and/or physical and mental disabilities unforgettable summer camp experiences. Pirate Pak Day has long solidified itself as an annual highlight in the White Spot calendar, with over 530,000 Pirate Paks sold since its inception. This includes serving over 3,500 pounds of 'gold' chocolate coins and whipping up more than 1.3 million ounces of ice cream. Served in the famous buccaneers' boat, each Pirate Pak includes a limited selection of burgers and classic entrees, fresh local fries, creamy coleslaw, premium rich ice cream, and the treasured 'gold' coin. Over the years, the incredible White Spot community has participated in a variety of fundraising initiatives that have raised over $1,000,000 in support of Zajac Ranch's mission, with every single Pirate Pak Day guest having the chance to directly and positively impact hundreds of children's lives. The money raised has given many children the opportunity to participate in annual summer camps, offering activities including kayaking, horseback riding and numerous water sports (all of which are fully accessible), empowering them to enjoy childhood without barriers. 'Both our White Spot employees and our guests love the Pirate Pak Day experience,' says White Spot president Trent Carroll. 'It brings to life our passion for family experiences and giving back to the community and we are extremely proud and excited to be able to provide families and young kids the opportunity to participate in an amazing program at Zajac Ranch. It is what makes it all meaningful and fun!' For the full Pirate Pak Day menu, visit For the latest news, register to receive Spot Club emails at become a fan on Facebook or follow White Spot on Instagram and YouTube. ABOUT WHITE SPOT HOSPITALITY | Headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia, White Spot is Canada's longest-running restaurant chain. Founded in 1928, when Nat Bailey launched Canada's first drive-in restaurant at Granville and 67th, the 97-year-young chain serves more than 17 million guests annually at 132 White Spot and Triple O's (their premium quick-service restaurants) located throughout B.C., Alberta, Ontario and Asia. They also own and operate five mobile food trucks. Bailey's original vision was to build a restaurant that served the highest quality, unique tasting food and White Spot remains committed to continuing this tradition in each and every meal. White Spot Hospitality is proud to be recognized with the platinum status designation as one of Canada's Best Managed Companies, is one of Canada's top 150 iconic brands as awarded by Interbrand Canada, has been awarded a gold medal for excellence in franchising by the Canadian Franchise Association, and is one of B.C.'s Most Loved Brands as recognized by Ipsos. | PHOTOSFor a selection of high-resolution photos, click on the images above or below or download via Google Drive.
Cision Canada
23-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Cision Canada
All Aboard! Pirate Pak Day Returns to White Spot on August 13
For almost 60 years, the iconic Pirate Pak has been a beloved staple for millions of little mateys (aged 10 and under) across British Columbia. On August 13th, guests young and old(er!) can enjoy their meal in the famous 100% recyclable and compostable paper boat, knowing that $2 from every Pirate Pak sale goes directly to BC-based charity, Zajac Ranch; an organization dedicated to providing children and young adults with serious medical conditions and/or physical and mental disabilities unforgettable summer camp experiences. Pirate Pak Day has long solidified itself as an annual highlight in the White Spot calendar, with over 530,000 Pirate Paks sold since its inception. This includes serving over 3,500 pounds of "gold" chocolate coins and whipping up more than 1.3 million ounces of ice cream. Served in the famous buccaneers' boat, each Pirate Pak includes a limited selection of burgers and classic entrees, fresh local fries, creamy coleslaw, premium rich ice cream, and the treasured 'gold' coin. Over the years, the incredible White Spot community has participated in a variety of fundraising initiatives that have raised over $1,000,000 in support of Zajac Ranch's mission, with every single Pirate Pak Day guest having the chance to directly and positively impact hundreds of children's lives. The money raised has given many children the opportunity to participate in annual summer camps, offering activities including kayaking, horseback riding and numerous water sports (all of which are fully accessible), empowering them to enjoy childhood without barriers. "Both our White Spot employees and our guests love the Pirate Pak Day experience," says White Spot president Trent Carroll. "It brings to life our passion for family experiences and giving back to the community and we are extremely proud and excited to be able to provide families and young kids the opportunity to participate in an amazing program at Zajac Ranch. It is what makes it all meaningful and fun!"
